Translation guide
The concept of an afterlife in Japanese is expressed through several terms, each with different cultural and religious nuances. The most common and neutral term is 来世 (raise), but other words like 死後の世界 (shigo no sekai) and あの世 (ano yo) are also widely used depending on context.
Expressing the idea of an existence after death in a neutral or general sense.
The most standard and neutral term for 'afterlife' or 'the next world'. Used in both everyday and religious contexts.
彼は来世を信じている。
He believes in an afterlife.
Literally 'the world after death'. A descriptive phrase that is easily understood and commonly used.
死後の世界についてどう思いますか？
What do you think about the afterlife?
Literally 'that world'. A colloquial and somewhat euphemistic term for the afterlife, often used in everyday speech.
おばあちゃんはあの世に行った。
Grandma has passed away (gone to the afterlife).
A Buddhist term for the next life or future existence. More formal and religious than 来世.
後世の安楽を願う。
To pray for peace in the afterlife.
Referring to a positive afterlife destination, often in a religious context.
Referring to a negative afterlife destination.
Hell. Used in both Buddhist and general contexts.
悪いことをすると地獄に落ちる。
If you do bad things, you'll fall into hell.
The underworld in Japanese mythology. Often appears in classical literature.
黄泉の国から戻る。
To return from the land of the dead.
Expressing the cycle of death and rebirth, common in Buddhist thought.
来世 is the most neutral and standard term. あの世 is more colloquial and often used when speaking about deceased relatives. 死後の世界 is a descriptive phrase that is easily understood but slightly more formal or explanatory.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'afterlife' in all contexts. Using 来世 is safe for most situations, but be aware of the specific nuance you want to convey.
極楽往生を遂げる。
To die peacefully and go to paradise.
Reincarnation or rebirth. A more colloquial term than 輪廻.
生まれ変わりがあると思う？
Do you think there is reincarnation?